Laguna Niguel Lake is a 44 acre lake located in Orange County’s beautiful Laguna Niguel Regional Park.

Rick Mendoza owned and operated an underwater construction company based on the Colorado River and was looking for his next challenge. Passionate about fishing, he stumbled upon a beautiful lake that was up for bid. In 1994, he was awarded a 10 year lease to start a fishing concession. The first few years were a struggle, then Rick’s father introduced him to Dennis Blackburn who operated a trout hatchery in Utah. This was the start of something very special.

Pine Creek Trout Ranch started stocking the lake with beautiful ‘hook jaw’ trout that were raised in spring fed creeks out in the wild. Thus…Laguna Niguel Lake was finally on the map!

Combined with heavy stockings of catfish, bass and crappie the fishery flourished. In 2004, the 10 year lease was up and went out to bid. Rick was then awarded a 20 year lease.

Two months later, the lease changed hands due to an unfortunate

life circumstance. During the next 6 years, Rick was able to build another successful company, West Coast Aquatic. His company owns equipment that specializes in the removal of aquatic weeds and vegetation from Lakes and waterways. In the summer of 2010, Rick was offered to take the lease back. With a busy company to run, Rick went to his long time friend and fishing companion, Darren Colbert, to form an equal partnership company.

Rip n Lips Inc was formed, and both Rick and Darren are excited with the opportunity to get Laguna Niguel Lake back on track! Heavy stockings of fish year round, great sponsors, fishing derbies, youth fishing clinics and special events have all been planned. Investment monies will be spent on new surface aerators, new boats and lake maintenance. In the future, we plan on adding a café / bistro to our concession building.

The owners and staff are committed to assuring everyone a memorable experience when visiting Laguna Niguel Lake. We welcome all suggestions and comments in an effort to improve our facility. Please e-mail us at:
LagunaNiguelLake@gmail.com